Radon when you rent
Ask your landlord if the building has been tested for radon, before or after you move in. If it has been tested properly, ask for a copy of the results, and you probably don't need to test yourself. If not, or you don't know, test your home yourself or ask the owner to. That's the advice in EPA's A Radon Guide for Tenants, a national guide from the 1990s that doesn't cover Pennsylvania landlord law.
Part of our radon guides for York County homeowners.
Does Your Apartment Need a Radon Test?
Yes, if it's below the third floor, unless it has already been tested properly. PA DEP's guide says EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor.
DEP's guide notes that more renters now ask about radon before they rent. Renting a new home? DEP says to ask the owner or builder if it has radon-resistant features. Every new home should still be tested after people move in.
Can You Test a Rented Home for Radon Yourself?
Yes. PA DEP's Citizen's Guide to Radon says Pennsylvania law lets a homeowner or occupant test their own home without being certified. Anyone else who tests for you must be certified.
Use a test kit
Buy one from a Pennsylvania certified lab, a home center or a hardware store. DEP says to check a Pennsylvania certified lab analyzes it. Put it in the lowest level you use regularly, not the kitchen or bathroom, for as long as the instructions say and at least 48 hours, with doors and windows closed as much as you can.
How to test for radonHire a certified tester
Our list shows who is DEP-certified to test homes in York County.
See certified testersWhat Should You Do If Radon Is High in Your Rental?
Confirm it, then tell the owner. EPA recommends action at 4 pCi/L or higher. If your first test was short-term, take a second test first, yourself or by asking the owner. See what your radon number means. Then EPA's tenant guide says:
Tell the owner
In writing.
Share your results
Give the owner a copy.
Ask about their plan
Discuss what the owner plans to do about it.
Get their test results
Ask for copies of any tests the owner does.
Fixing radon usually means repairs to the building, so it's generally the owner, not the tenant, who is authorized to have the work done. EPA's guide says that in most states, owners are generally required to keep rentals safe and fit to live in, but it doesn't say what Pennsylvania law requires. For legal advice, EPA suggests your local bar association can help you find a lawyer, and tenants with limited income can ask the nearest legal services office about free help.
In an apartment building, EPA says you can share your results with other residents. A low result in your unit doesn't mean the rest of the building is low.
Who Can Help Renters With Radon?
PA DEP's Radon Division. EPA's tenant guide says your state radon office can give you and the owner information about testing and fixing radon.
PA DEP Radon Hotline
DEP's 2014 Citizen's Guide lists 800-237-2366 (800-23RADON) and 717-783-3594.
If the owner decides to fix it, Pennsylvania law requires anyone who does mitigation for someone else to be certified. Our guide lists the questions to ask a company, and you can see the certified companies serving York County.
Radon for Renters FAQs
Can a renter test for radon in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania law lets an occupant test their own home without being certified, PA DEP says.
Do I need to test if I live on the third floor or higher?
It's less likely to be needed. EPA recommends testing all homes below the third floor, but says high levels have sometimes been found higher up. If that concerns you, you could test too.
Who fixes a radon problem in a rented home?
Generally the owner, EPA's tenant guide says, because fixing radon usually means repairs to the building. The guide doesn't say what Pennsylvania law requires.
What should I do if my rental tests high?
Tell the owner in writing, give them your results and ask what they plan to do. The owner will probably test again, and you can ask for copies.
Keep Reading About Radon and Your Home
Sources
- US EPA: A Radon Guide for Tenants
- PA DEP: Pennsylvania Citizen's Guide to Radon (2900-BK-DEP0375)
- PA DEP: Pennsylvania Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction
Guide last updated Oct 2026. Published by Radon Mitigation York. How we write our guides.